Aechmea gamosepala aka Matchstick Bromeliad

Taxonomy

Aechmea gamosepala is an ornamental bromeliad that is native to southern Brazil and is often cultivated for its winter-blooming qualities. This plant has been cited in Flora Brasiliensis by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius. It comes in two recognized varieties, Aechmea gamosepala var. gamosepala and Aechmea gamosepala var. nivea. The plant can grow up to 50cm and its blooms are striking with thick bristles of purplish-pink bracts topped with iridescent blue bead-like flowers, resembling surreal-looking matchsticks. After flowering, the spike turns dark pink for a long period. This low-maintenance plant can thrive in shady corners and areas with little soil, and can even form an attractive groundcover as it multiplies well. The rare houseplant requires very little water and does best in long-lasting, direct light, preferably placed less than 1 foot from a window.

Common names

Matchstick Bromeliad, Bromeliad

How to care for Matchstick Bromeliad

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Matchstick Bromeliad is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Matchstick Bromeliad does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Matchstick Bromeliad loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Matchstick Bromeliad prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Matchstick Bromeliad prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Matchstick Bromeliad is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Matchstick Bromeliad’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia